In depth

Verdict

BHALTAIR responded to first-time blinkers to win over 2m4f here last week when King Brex was a well-beaten fifth. Henry Brooke takes the ride again and, as that was a conditionals' race, the six-year-old can race off the same mark today - he must take all the beating. Alpha One returned from a break to win at Sedgefield last month but this trip looks on the sharp side while Monarch's Way has only had one run over fences and carries top weight here, though is rated a pound higher over hurdles.

Morning Time (IRE) 66-1 (10-8) Often jumped left, took keen hold, held up in rear, went left 4th and 6th, went modest 4th after 8th,, 4th of 6, 27l behind Kie (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m beg chs (3) gd in Nov.